Why do some people preach that venereal diseases are God's punishment but...

Why do some people preach that venereal diseases are God's punishment but...

ignore the obvious contradiction? Example: a person in my neighborhood claims a child that acquires AIDS is "paying" for the sin of premarital sex (even though the child contracted this disease via a blood transfusion). Yet, if Ms. Know-it-all-Neighbor is right, why would she knowingly attend church services while suffering from a stomach virus? Isn't she knowingly putting others at risk - and if someone catches her virus, by her definition, aren't they "paying" for her sin of indifference?

In Islam, God's messenger Muhammed peace be upon him says: "If God loves you, He puts you to the test". Whether what you suffered was a terrible disease, losing a loved one (specially one of your children, which is the hardest) or watching your house burn, know that God loves you and is giving you a priceless opportunity to renew your faith in Him.

MahfoundhI thought gods were allknowing What is the value of a test if the results are known before the test is given. Befor you are born. Is the god of Islam less powerful then other gods who are allknowing. But they too test. Something askew here.

What I understand from your question is that you want God to just create us and send us straight to where we belong for He knows what would have done. Wouldn't it seem unfair to us, being judged on things we don't even know about? God is just.

Probably because they are afraid of catching a "major" disease and think that if they put the other person down in some way they will be safe. When they do catch a major disease, they realize that they are just like the other person and feel guilty.

Blame the victim is a common reaction to problems, unfortunately. If the victim is at fault, then no one else has to take action to remedy the problem! Another common reaction is nothing could have been done to affect the situation. Again, laziness or not interested in making things better for others.

Because they really don't understand how God works. Yes, God can punish people by allowing them to catch a disease; however, it's not always a punishment. If they'd take the time to look at how the disease was acquired, they'd have a better idea whether or not it's a punishment.

In the Judeau/Christian faiths, the connection between God and STD's goes back into ancient times. It stems from a belief that there is a created order to life (including sex), and hence a morality based upon that order.The isrealites were unique in ancient times regarding laws governing sexuality. Surrounding nations, for example, indulged the full array of sexual deviance in their idol worship and social life. Not surprising, then, that STD's were rife among them. Juxtaposed to this, in Judeau/Christian worship and morality, sex was to be limited to the confines of marriage (one man, one woman, for life). Obviously, this is the surest way to avoid STD's.Ancient civilisation were largely unaware of this connection between their sexual practices and terrible illnesses. In modern society, however, even knowing the risks, many people still decide to practice sex outside it's safest confines. When they get ill, some will say it is God's judgement. Others reject that connection. But it depends whether one believes there is a created order to life, and whether sex, fundamental to life, also has God ordained rules that, when broken, result in undesired consequences.

A Chef writes a recipe. Ignored, bad cooking results. We don't blame the Chef. So too, God gives instruction regarding sex. When not followed, consequences result. God isn't to blame. He is simply the creator of the recipe.

Do you think women should be allowed or are fit to become preachers/ministers?This has been a sore subject in my family.(I think they should). Some people believe that women do not have a place in religion as a minister...